NEW YORK — A college basketball assistant coach accused of punching a Fort Lee businessman, who later died, has been placed on leave Friday by Wake Forest University.

Jamill Jones has pleaded not guilty to charges relating to the death of Sandor Szabo, who worked for Fort Lee-based What If Media Group and was visiting New York City for a wedding when the alleged assault occurred.

Wake Forest University Athletic Director Ron Wellman said in a statement Friday that he spoke with Jones and the coach agreed that the decision was appropriate under the circumstances.

Szabo, who lived in Florida, was vice president for sales at What If Media Group, a digital media company.

What If Media Group posted on Facebook that Szabo, 35, "was super outgoing, friendly, and an incredibly smart businessman. He was always upbeat, positive, kind and caring. He was fun to be with, interesting, and always interested. He was a really good person.

"Sandor was a well-known and well-respected leader in the digital marketing industry. He lived in Boca Raton with his brother, but spent a lot of time in our Fort Lee, NJ office. He was critical in helping our company’s recent rapid growth."

A person familiar with the investigation told The Associated Press that Szabo may have been drunkenly knocking on car windows before Jones allegedly confronted him. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because the person was not allowed to speak publicly.

Police say Jones got out, punched Szabo and sped off. Szabo fell and hit his head. He never regained consciousness and was taken off life support Tuesday.

The city medical examiner's office said Friday that Szabo's death was a homicide caused by blunt impact to his head.

Jones, 35, of Kernersville, North Carolina, turned himself in to police Thursday and was arraigned on a misdemeanor assault charge. He pleaded not guilty, and his next court appearance is scheduled for Oct. 2.

Meanwhile, Szabo's parents say they don't accept the coach's condolences. Bob and Donna Kent told NBC's "Today" show that Jones should have tried to save their son's life after punching him early Sunday.

"If you're this good father, son, husband, why not try to take him to the hospital and see if you could save his life?" Bob Kent said.

Jones, lawyer, Alain Massena, told the AP that the death was "a tragic accident, and Mr. Jones and his family send their deepest condolences and their thoughts and prayers to the Szabo family."

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